Ongoing concerns
The Metropolitan Police is set to significantly increase its use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology in response to budget cuts and a reduction in staff numbers. The force plans to deploy LFR up to 10 times a week across five days, compared to the current rate of four deployments over two days. This restructuring also involves deploying additional officers to six high-crime zones.
While the Met asserts that LFR is used responsibly to target serious offenders, concerns have been raised about the lack of regulation surrounding the technology. Campaign groups like Liberty advocate for proper oversight and safeguards to protect individuals’ rights.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to regulate police facial recognition, aiming to establish a clear governance framework. However, the specifics of this framework, including whether it will be statutory, remain uncertain.
The Met’s use of LFR has faced criticism for its broad watchlist criteria and potential impact on certain communities. Critics argue that the technology is not always targeted or intelligence-led, leading to concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
Despite claims of public support for LFR, there have been instances where deployments have faced opposition from residents and local authorities. Calls for increased safeguards and transparency in the use of facial recognition technology continue to be raised.
